Social Media's Negative Influence On Among Female Teenage Students

Results of primary and secondary research have provided extensive quantitative and qualitative data highlighting the effects of social media negative influence on body image amongst female teenage students and how it plays a role in their overall wellbeing. Throughout my independent research project, the results varied from my expectations.

The secondary data delivered evidence that supported my research statement, showing that social media is the leading cause and effect of negative self-perception. The primary data that had been conducted depicts the responses of a quite large sample size. The responses from the participants in the questionnaire had shown a mixture results of how both social media can and cannot affect young teenagers, however negative impact override the positive showing that there was a negative impact of social media on young teenage females, therefore most secondary data has helped proved my research statement.

The primary data conducted in the form of a questionnaire portrayed numerous responses. However, the overall responses that contradict in making our statement valid portrayed that, 30% of female students tend to spend 3-4 hours on social media a day. This shows that the amount of time spent on social media increases and contradicts to the negative influence social media has on body image, making them more susceptible to compare themselves to others. In relation to the literature review undertaken, Marriner (2014) suggests that due to spending more and more time on social media, specifically teenage girls, are more vulnerable to developing a low self-esteem, due to being displeased with their bodies, as a result of being overexposed to the media.

The primary results have showed that 54% of participants have felt pressured to change the way they appear, with the use of dieting, cosmetics and pills etc. This has proven that social media does pressure individuals into altering their thoughts and beliefs to fit society’s image of an ‘ideal body’. In relation to J Paxton & McLean, 2106, Viewing images on TV and in magazines that portray thin, attractive woman, lead average woman into rethinking their body image, which plays an immense role in overall health and wellbeing.

Also, 54% of participants have somebody they look up to on social media, individuals tend to compare themselves to their idol, which impact their self-worth, which will lead into comparison. Participants were asked, when viewing these profiles, do you tend to compare yourself. 13/24 answered yes they do compare themselves to models, actresses and singers. In relation to secondary data conducted, Marriner (2014) also discusses the idea in relation to teenage girls, they are attempting to “copy” what their favorite celebrities are doing, and how they are portrayed in the media, always comparing themselves to the likes of others who are considered “famous”, which can lead to a detrimental appreciation of self-worth.

While many data obtained from primary and secondary research, have shown negative impact towards female teenagers, in regards to social media and its detrimental impact on their overall health. Although the negative impact dominates the positive, positives were also obtained throughout the primary research, this is shown throughout some aspects of the data e.g. 73% of participants answered no to the question, would you have a different view on body image if it wasn’t for social media. This has shown that many of the participants may feel ashamed or embarrassed to admit their self-perception on body image, this question has shown that participants would have the same body image and influence without the use of social media. Social media portrays these images of an ideal body’ without social media, images that contain Photoshop wouldn’t be out there and therefore individuals wouldn’t have to face the negative influence it has on their self-esteem. In saying that there may be a positive through understanding this data, participants may appear to be uninfluenced by the ideal physical appearance, fashion styles and personalities that the media often portrays. Some of the responses received may suggest that female teenagers from Bellfield College have been taught to aspire to accomplish their own goals, instead of focusing to wanting to aspire to be someone else.

Overall the research that I have conducted has been suitable for the topic that I chose in regards to social media and youth, which has allowed myself to properly and in depth explore my hypothesis. By utilizing questionnaires as a primary research method, it has enabled myself to gain quality data in helping conduct this IRP over a period of time, to sufficiently meet the requirements set. The questionnaires were helpful in identifying key elements between primary and secondary research. They were also a great research method as it allowed a contrast between primary and secondary research, meaning that I had a variety of information and didn’t have to be dependent on secondary information which may result in bias, which is not ethical when conducting research. In regards to my topic, I believe that the media will continue to shape female teenage students identity through the use of media exposure. This issue is definitely relevant in our society, however it is important to realize that not everyone is the same.